Dog’s personal space

Each of us has a personal space, intrusion into which causes discomfort. But not everyone realizes that not only people need personal space. Dogs, just like us, need the inviolability of personal space (individual distance).

Photo: google

If our personal space is violated, we react differently depending on who the violator is and where we are. For example, if we have to travel in a crowded transport, we tolerate intrusions into personal space (but at the same time we avoid eye contact with other passengers). And if it’s free around, and someone has invaded our borders, the reaction will be completely different. And if a person close and pleasant to us is allowed more, then, for example, we will quickly move away from an unpleasant person.

But at the same time, people often do not think about the comfort of the dog, invading her personal space.

How much personal space does a dog need?

As a rule, the length of personal space is approximately equal to the length of the dog’s torso. Accordingly, small dogs have less personal space than large ones. Moreover, the individual distance resembles something like a bubble, that is, it surrounds the dog from all sides.

Dogs, crossing the boundaries of each other’s personal space, perform a series of meeting rituals. The friendlier the dogs, the fewer rituals can be observed. And vice versa – the more intense the relationship between dogs, the more ritualized behavior.

Why is it important to respect your dog’s personal space?

In the process of domestication, dogs became quite different from wolves. In particular, they have become much more tolerant of violators of personal space – both to people and to relatives. However, this does not mean that the boundaries of the dog’s personal space should not be considered.

If a dog trusts a person or other animal, he will let them into his personal space. If there is no trust, she either leaves or drives the “violator” away. But even if the dog trusts you, you should not abuse it. Sometimes each of us wants to take a break from communicating even with the closest beings. So do not violate the personal space of the dog unnecessarily, if he does not want it.

Photo: google

This must be taken into account, for example, when placing the dog’s seat. If it is located on the aisle or at an insufficient distance from crowded places of people and other animals, the dog will feel discomfort and irritation. Sometimes in such cases, the dog begins to show displeasure at attempts to pass by or approach. The solution is to reconsider the location of the dog’s place, so that he does not feel vulnerable.

Every owner wants to have a dog that trusts and respects him. But this is impossible if people do not respect the personal space of the dog.